Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Athens, OH: $21.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Athens, OH runs $21.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,423 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Athens's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,658 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Athens, Ohio, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $21.36 in 2026, which is noticeably lower when compared to the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This median hourly figure offers flexibility, making it appealing for part-time workers who might want to clock in for three days a week. Such a schedule typically results in fewer hours per week and can significantly influence income, but it's particularly advantageous for those seeking work-life balance or ancillary roles in dental offices. The hourly pay range spans from $17.41 for entry-level positions to as high as $26.01 for top earners, showcasing the diverse opportunities within various dental settings, including general dentistry operatories and specialized suites for oral surgery and orthodontics. These estimates are derived from annual salary data translated into hourly rates, reflecting the income potential for dental assistants in OH.
About the Athens Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.41 | $139.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.05 | $160.40 |
| Median (P50) | $21.36 | $170.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.12 | $201.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.01 | $208.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Athens
Based on $21.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.36/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Athens, OH can expect to earn approximately $44,429 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,632. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Athens.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Athens
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $854.41 | $3,702 | $44,429 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $512.65 | $2,221 | $26,658 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $341.76 | $1,481 | $17,772 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Athens) | $21.36 |
| Dental Hygienist (National Avg) | $42.45 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
Dental Assistants in Athens, OH earn a median of $44,423 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.40% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 7.20% below the Ohio state average of $47,870.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.36/hr = $26,658/year (purchasing power: $29,391).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,429/year (purchasing power: $48,985).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Athens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Athens grew 19.9% from $17.27/hr (2019) to $20.71/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.03/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Athens metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Assistant in Athens
While full-time dental assistants enjoy consistent earnings, those considering part-time or per-diem options can also find lucrative pathways. A dental assistant working three days per week, totaling around 24 hours, would earn approximately $25,000 annually, which may suit individuals who have other commitments or are in training for advanced roles. Per diem dental assistants in Athens often command rates between $22 and $35 per hour, particularly in specialties like oral surgery or orthodontics, where higher demand can push rates to between $28 and $45. Employers such as general practices, pediatric specialty offices, and dental schools can offer varied pay scales. Some dental assistants may opt for lower hourly rates if they receive health benefits, while others seeking higher wages may forgo benefits. For those navigating the job market, understanding the different employer dynamics, whether working with dental service organizations (like Heartland or Aspen) or independent practices, can be key in negotiating effective pay structures tailored to their individual needs.
More salary data for Athens, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Athens in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Athens?
Are dental assistants in Athens paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Athens?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Athens?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental assistants in Athens. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Athens is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov